Review: Midsomer Murders, The Killings at Badgers Drift, UK tour | Glasgow

The world premiere tour of Guy Unsworth’s stage adaptation of ITV's beloved TV series has arrived in Glasgow this week. Midsomer Murders the play is based on the book by Caroline Graham and directed by Guy Unsworth. Read my review of The Killings at Badger’s Drift below.

James Bradwell, Nathalie Barclay, Daniel Casey, Chris Agha & Rupert Sadler in The Killings at Badger's Drift, Photo: Manuel Harlan

Midsomer Murders the play: The Killings at Badgers Drift ★★★☆☆

Review: 17 February 2026 | Theatre Royal, Glasgow

The Killing's at Badger's Drift was the first episode of ITV's Midsomer Murders when it premiered in 1997. Based on Caroline Graham's original novels, Midsomer Murders went on to be a huge, long-running hit for ITV with over 130 episodes and 24 series broadcast in the UK so far, and more in the works. Perhaps no surprise then that such a successful and popular show - each TV episode attracts many millions of viewers - has now been adapted for the stage.

In Guy Unsworth's play, an elderly lady is found dead in the picturesque English village of Badger’s Drift. Her death is written off because of her age, but her friend Lucy Bellringer (Julie Legrand) refuses to accept that it was an accident. Soon DCI Tom Barnaby (Daniel Casey) and Sergeant Gavin Troy (James Bradwell) are called in to investigate. As they hunt for a murderer, they discover that the small, beautiful village in Midsomer county and its peculiar residents are hiding more than a few secrets.

Daniel Casey (Barnaby), James Bradwell (Troy) & Rupert Sadler (Dennis Rainbird) in The Killings at Badger's Drift. Photo: Manuel Harlan

An excellent, hard-working cast playing unforgettable characters

Daniel Casey (best known for playing Sergeant Troy in the Midsomer Murders TV series for over ten years) plays the senior detective, Inspector Tom Barnaby, a role originated on TV by John Nettles. Casey does a fine job of playing the straight man. He mostly keeps the serious murder investigation on track while James Bradwell, Barnaby's younger, greener partner, is endearing as earnest detective Sergeant Gavin Troy.

Supported by a small but excellent cast including theatre stalwarts Julie Legrand and John Dougall, the bizarre residents of Badger's Drift are lovingly realised with an enjoyable, over-the-top charm. A highlight is Rupert Sadler who displays glorious physical comedy and exquisite comic timing with his peculiar undertaker character, Dennis Rainbird.

And that's where this gentle comedy drama play excels: everyone onstage and off knows this is "cosy crime." Inoffensive light entertainment for the early evening not to be taken too seriously. Some of the plot is over-explained in scenes that fall a little flat, but with so many 'suspects', I understand why that may have felt necessary.

There is a surprisingly high body count in Badger's Drift, but no explicit language or overly graphic, bloody scenes that may alarm. The show does take some risks with wordplay, for example, with the word 'constable '. That brought genuine belly laughs from the audience!

Unusually for a murder mystery, Midsomer Murders is scattered with these wonderful laugh-out-loud moments. The whole production is presented with charm and wit, and the cast of outrageous characters are unforgettable.

Julie Legrand (Phyllis Cadell) in The Killings at Badger's Drift. Photo: Manuel Harlan

A camp parody of classic whodunnits

David Woodhead's set is simple and at first looks a bit underwhelming, but soon reveals hidden depths. What appeared old-fashioned and outdated (small, flimsy sets on tracks being carried and wheeled off stage) became clever and playful when, for example, characters sitting on furniture were wheeled off in situ, much to the bemusement of the detectives and the delight of the audience.

Midsomer Murders the play turns out to be a camp parody of those serious cop dramas and classic 'whodunnits.' It does fall over into the ridiculous on occasion, but it's all done knowingly with tongue firmly in cheek to deliver a hugely fun, cosy murder mystery romp.

I have no idea if the television series has the same silly vibe, but as a piece of standalone theatre for someone who hasn't seen a single episode of Midsomer Murders on TV, this play works. There's a complete, engaging storyline with all loose ends tied up nicely. Plenty of eccentric characters and red herrings. And a hardworking cast, most of whom play dual roles and seem to have a lot of fun doing so. It's good light entertainment, and fans of the TV show will be thrilled to see 'England's deadliest county' and their favourite characters brought to life on stage. ★★★☆☆

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badgers Drift plays at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Saturday 21st February 2026. Tickets via ATG Tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/midsomer-murders-the-killings-at-badgers-drift/

MORE: The full cast info for Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badgers Drift play UK tour can be found here: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/post/midsomer-murders-tour-cast

MORE: Also playing in Glasgow this week - Christmas Carol Goes Wrong. Find out more here: Christmas Carol Goes Wrong cast set for a festive February in Glasgow

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